Originally published: Medianet, 10 December 2025
Salvos reveal the hidden cost of Christmas
1 in 5 Australians sacrifice healthcare – Millions going without food – 1 in 10 fear their children will go hungry
The Salvation Army has delivered a devastating snapshot of the festive season, with new research showing 21% of Australians are concerned their children will miss out on presents this Christmas, over 1 in 10 (11%) worried their kids would miss out on food, and a shocking 1.1 million people (5%) will not speak to their children about Christmas at all because they can’t afford it.*
The research also shows 20% of all Australians will be going without medical help (e.g doctors’ appointments) and over 4.2 million people (19%) going without food in order to afford Christmas this year.
“Christmas is a wonderful time of year for so many, but for some, it can be extremely difficult and stressful. Our research reflects this, with everyday Aussies having to choose between medication, utilities, food or having a special Christmas for themselves and their children. This breaks our heart, but also reminds us of the incredible privilege it is as The Salvation Army to support and stand alongside those doing it tough during the festive season,” said Commissioner Mark Campbell from The Salvation Army.
Indeed, 10.8 million Australians (49%) are concerned about how they will afford Christmas this year, with 35% saying they will use credit cards and 16% using buy-now, pay-later to pay for Christmas, highlighting the extreme pressures people are facing. Further, 3 in 5 people (60%) were negatively impacted by the cost of living this year and 11% went without meals in the last 12 months.
The Salvation Army’s research was conducted by Pureprofile and surveyed 2,005 people, discovering a further:
- 45% of Australians feel pressure to spend more than they can afford at Christmas
- 1 in 4 (25%) will struggle to pay for utilities this Christmas
- 25% won’t be able to see their family and friends this Christmas due to financial concerns
- 9% are concerned their children will miss out on basic living necessities this Christmas
